BACK IN BUSINESS

Staff at Peacocks store in Kirkcaldy which is reopening after being closed a couple of months ago. From left, Linda Allan, Lorraine Connor, Tracey Ramsay, Manager Martin Ray, Jane Patullo and Cat McKay.

Published:17:00Thursday 29 March 2012

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KIRKCALDY’S Peacocks store has been saved from permanent closure and is the first to re-open in Scotland.

The women’s fashion shop opened its doors once again to happy shoppers at noon yesterday (Wednesday) in the town’s Mercat Centre.

It was only the third store to re-open in the UK and staff were excited to be back at work.

Martin Rae, manager, said: “We found out a week ago that the shop was to open again, and I’m absolutely delighted. I can’t wait to start back.

“We are a really busy and popular shop in Kirkcaldy and the customers want us back.”

Staff return

All permanent members of staff returned to their jobs at the Kirkcaldy branch after it closed five weeks ago when the company went into administration.

Last month Peacocks was bought by the Edinburgh Woollen Mill group, who also own women’s fashion brand Jane Norman.

Peacock’s head office in Cardiff said they are working to re-open more of the stores across Scotland over the next few weeks.

The team were all happy to return to work and said that they were excited.

Sales assistant, Jane Patullo (52) said: “I was very sad to go, but to be back again in the team, is absolutely fantastic.”

The shop first opened in November 2009 and had been the go-to store for fashion followers of all ages.

Extra wait

It was due to re-open last Saturday but the keys were held by the administrator which meant the team of twelve sales assistants had to wait a few extra days to begin their jobs again.

Lisa Bond, marketing director for Peacocks said: “It is great news.”

Signs in the store tell customers the company is now owned by Edinburgh Woollen Mill, but the manager was keen to point out nothing had changed: “Although we are now owned by the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, we will still be the same Peacocks. With lots of new products arriving for summer and the new season, it is a very exciting time.”

The company has a long history and started life as a penny bazaar market stall over a hundred years ago.